Captain Michael L. Jordan – Commander Riverine Group One

Captain Jordan is a native of Haines City FL. He received his BS degree from Florida State University and received his commission from Officer Candidate School, Newport, RI in November 1981. After Navy Dive Training, he reported to USS OPPORTUNE (ARS 41) home ported in Little Creek, VA as Operations Officer and later Executive Officer. Upon graduation from Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) in Indian Head, MD in April 1986, he reported to EOD Mobile Unit ONE in Hawaii where he deployed as Officer in Charge of the EOD detachment onboard USS MIDWAY (CV41).

In June of 1988, Captain Jordan assisted in the commissioning of EOD Mobile Unit NINE in Mare Island, CA and served there as Officer in Charge of Detachment 33 and as Operations Officer. In June 1990, he reported as Officer in Charge of EOD Mobile Unit Nine Detachment Fallon NV until his assignment in June 1992 to Deputy Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command in Tampa, FL as the EOD and Mine Warfare Officer. While stationed in Tampa, Captain Jordan completed a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from Troy State University.

From December 1994 until September 1996, Captain Jordan served as Executive Officer of EOD Mobile Unit ELEVEN at NAS Whidbey Island, WA. In October 1996, he was assigned as the Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet EOD and Mine Warfare Officer. He served as Commanding Officer of EOD Mobile Unit TWO in Norfolk VA from January 2000 until his transfer to San Diego CA in April 2002 to be the Chief Staff Officer, EOD Group ONE. In October 2003 he took command of the Naval EOD School at Eglin AFB FL until his transfer to Norfolk VA to be the Chief Staff Officer of Maritime Force Protection Command. He has recently assumed command of the Navy’s first Riverine Group since Vietnam, Riverine Group ONE, located in Norfolk VA.

Captain Jordan’s professional qualifications include Surface Warfare Officer, Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, Naval Parachutist and Deep Sea Diving and Salvage Officer. He has been awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal(three awards), the Navy Commendation Medal(3 awards) and the Navy Achievement Medal (two awards). He and his wife Renee, also of Haines City FL, have four children.